Education Minister Tunji Alausa mandates vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts to dismiss students involved in kidnapping after due process, while unveiling new measures to enhance campus security through intelligence collaboration, TETFund support and the Safe Schools Initiative.
By Angela Udende
ABUJA, Nigeria — August 5, 2026
The Federal Government has announced a tougher stance against criminality in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, directing vice-chancellors, rectors and provosts to immediately dismiss any student found culpable—following due investigation—of involvement in kidnapping or related criminal activities.
The directive, issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen campus security, improve intelligence gathering and reinforce collaboration between higher institutions and security agencies as Nigeria continues efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The minister stressed that universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must remain centres of academic excellence and character development, warning that criminal elements have no place within the nation’s educational system.
Zero Tolerance for Kidnapping in Tertiary Institutions
Speaking during a meeting with the Pro-Chancellor, Governing Council and management of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) in Abuja, Alausa declared that any student proven to have participated in kidnapping should face immediate expulsion after due process.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah, the minister said institutions must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to serious criminal offences.
“If you tolerate bad behaviour for too long, it becomes a culture. Any student found culpable, after due investigation, of planning or participating in the kidnapping of fellow students has no place in our tertiary institutions. Such individuals must be dismissed. Our campuses must never become safe havens for criminal elements,” Alausa said.
He added that the Federal Government has a constitutional responsibility to protect students while preserving the integrity of educational institutions.
Universities Ordered to Strengthen Intelligence Networks
Beyond disciplinary measures, the minister directed heads of tertiary institutions to establish robust internal intelligence mechanisms capable of identifying security threats before they escalate.
He instructed university authorities to deepen collaboration with:
- The Department of State Services (DSS)
- The Nigeria Police Force
- Other security and intelligence agencies operating within their states
According to Alausa, stronger intelligence sharing is essential not only to protect students on campus but also to address criminal activities involving students outside university premises.
‘Campuses Remain Largely Safe’
Despite growing concerns about insecurity in parts of the country, the minister maintained that Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education remain generally secure.
However, he acknowledged that isolated incidents involving students outside campuses require a more proactive security strategy.
“We have a collective responsibility to protect every Nigerian child, from primary school to tertiary education. While our campuses remain safe, we must continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and work closely with our security agencies to ensure that students are protected both within and outside our institutions,” he stated.
Safe Schools Initiative to Be Expanded
Alausa disclosed that he recently met with the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), to strengthen the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative.
The initiative aims to improve security around educational institutions through coordinated action involving education authorities, security agencies and other stakeholders.
According to the minister, protecting schools has become a national priority amid persistent security challenges affecting parts of the country.
No Negotiation with Kidnappers
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s position on kidnapping, Alausa reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive that no government institution should negotiate with or pay ransom to kidnappers.
He argued that ransom payments encourage criminal networks by making kidnapping financially attractive.
According to him, institutions should instead prioritise preventive security measures and immediate collaboration with law enforcement agencies whenever threats emerge.
The policy aligns with the Federal Government’s broader anti-kidnapping strategy aimed at disrupting organised criminal groups across the country.
TETFund to Support Campus Security Infrastructure
To complement security reforms, the minister announced that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will support critical security projects under its 2027 intervention programme.
Eligible projects are expected to include:
- Perimeter fencing.
- Security surveillance facilities.
- Access control systems.
- Other protective infrastructure.
He encouraged institutions to submit proposals early to facilitate timely consideration and implementation.
Observers believe improved physical infrastructure could strengthen campus security while reducing vulnerabilities exploited by criminal elements.
Government Expands Solar Power for Universities
The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding the Energising Education Programme, implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Power.
The programme provides renewable energy solutions for tertiary institutions through solar infrastructure.
According to Alausa, institutions requiring additional electricity capacity may benefit from:
- Expanded solar generation.
- Increased battery storage.
- Improved power reliability.
The initiative is intended to reduce dependence on the national grid while supporting uninterrupted academic activities.
Federal University of Lafia Raises Security Concerns
During the meeting, Professor Lola Akande, Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, commended the Federal Government for its continued support to the institution.
She, however, identified several operational challenges affecting the university, including:
- Student hostel accommodation.
- Electricity supply to Campus Two.
- Security concerns.
Akande disclosed that some students had been suspected of involvement in kidnapping activities carried out outside the university environment.
Although investigations remain ongoing, she noted that recent incidents had heightened concerns among university authorities.
She also emphasised that the institution strongly opposes the payment of ransom to kidnappers, warning that such payments encourage further criminality.
Balancing Campus Security and Due Process
Security experts note that while institutions have a responsibility to protect students and staff, disciplinary actions involving criminal allegations must comply with constitutional guarantees of fair hearing and institutional disciplinary procedures.
The minister’s directive specifically requires that any dismissal be based on due investigation, underscoring the importance of evidence-based decision-making and respect for the rule of law.
Legal analysts say maintaining this balance will be essential to protecting both campus security and students’ rights.
A Growing National Security Concern
Kidnapping has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges, affecting schools, highways, rural communities and urban centres.
Successive governments have introduced multiple initiatives—including enhanced intelligence gathering, security sector reforms and the Safe Schools Initiative—to curb the crime.
The latest directive from the Ministry of Education reflects growing concern that educational institutions must remain vigilant against attempts by criminal networks to recruit or exploit students.
The Federal Government’s directive marks one of the strongest policy statements yet linking campus discipline with Nigeria’s broader fight against kidnapping and organised crime.
By combining stricter disciplinary measures with enhanced intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration with security agencies and increased investment in campus security infrastructure, authorities hope to preserve tertiary institutions as safe spaces for learning and innovation.
As universities prepare to implement the new directives, their success will depend not only on effective enforcement but also on adherence to due process, institutional accountability and sustained cooperation between education authorities and security agencies.
For students, parents and educators alike, the message from government is clear: Nigeria’s institutions of higher learning must remain places where knowledge thrives—and criminality finds no refuge.
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